Tony Blair seemed to be heading off a backbench revolt over university top-up fees today.

A growing number of rebel MPs are now pledging to back the Prime Minister in next week's crucial Commons vote after winning key concessions.

Mr Blair last night confidently predicted he would still be in office at the end of next week which will see that vote followed by the publication of Lord Hutton's report into the death of Government scientist Dr David Kelly.

More than 150 Labour MPs have signed a Commons motion opposing the plan to introduce variable fees of up to £3,000 a year.

But the tide today seemed to be turning in the Government's favour.

Mr Blair last night told a packed meeting of Labour MPs the policy was rooted in social justice and fairness.

He said it was the only option to raise the cash universities needed and said MPs must have the courage to do "difficult" things.

Afterwards, leading rebels confirmed they had changed their minds and said Mr Blair could now win the vote.

Peter Bradley, one of the rebel leaders, now plans to support the Government.

He said the latest concession by Mr Clarke yesterday would win over many rebels.

That would see students from the poorest backgrounds given an extra £1,200 to off-set higher fees before they begin their studies.

Meanwhile, a medical student who attacked Mr Blair over top-up fees today insisted she wanted to be a doctor and not a politician as she renewed her attack upon the Premier.

Julia Prague, 19, said she was "totally shell-shocked" by the coverage of her dramatic onslaught against Mr Blair last night in a special edition of BBC2's Newsnight programme.

She challenged Mr Blair over whether it was fair for doctors to start their careers saddled with huge debts.